We are publishing the open letter written by the GUE/NGL members of the European parliament (MEPs) to the European Union trade commissioner, Karel de Gucht, on the free trade agreement between India and the European Union. The GUE/NGL is a group of 35 MEPs belonging to the Communist and other Left formations from twelve countries of Europe. Out of a total strength of 730 MEPs, this is a small group but the only Left voice in the European parliament. The group is headed by Die Linke which has eight MEPs. Communist parties of Portugal, Greece and AKEL have two members each.
The GUE/NGL regularly organises study classes on various subjects to acquaint their MEPs with the developments taking place across the world. It invites speakers from different countries to deliver lectures on a range of subjects and organises interaction sessions with them. In one such study programme, Sitaram Yechury, Polit Bureau member of the CPI (M) was invited to deliver a lecture. A host of topics have come up for discussion during the course of interaction including the free trade agreement between EU and India. The following letter reflects many of the concerns that were exchanged in that discussion.
WE would like to share some of our concerns regarding the forthcoming EU-India summit which will take place on December 10 and is expected to push the ongoing FTA negotiations between the EU and India towards conclusion.
As you are aware, civil society both in India and the EU are increasingly concerned that the FTA with its current provisions is not the best way forward for development. A growing body of literature
Source: People’s Democracy
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